ADHD Treatment Medication
Stimulants are the most commonly prescribed medications for ADHD and can boost and balance levels of brain chemicals. They are not able to solve the problem and can only manage symptoms if they are taken regularly.
The adverse effects of ADHD medication can include changes in blood pressure and heart rate, anxiety and tics. Some children and teenagers who take stimulant medications notice a slight reduction in their growth rate.
Methylphenidate
Methylphenidate is a central nerve stimulant, is the most common medication used to treat ADHD. It is available in various forms, such as a liquid chewable tablet as well as an oral disintegrating tablet, which acts long and has an extended release. The drug is effective by increasing the levels of norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain, which help to improve focus. It may also reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety. When coupled with other treatments, like behavioral therapy, methylphenidate may be a very effective treatment for ADHD.
Methylphenidate is a drug that blocks transporters that normally remove these neurotransmitters from the brain. The drug could cause an increase in heart rate or blood pressure. It can also cause a rapid change in blood sugar levels, and diabetics should be aware when taking this medication. Consult your physician if you have any of these symptoms. Methylphenidate can also trigger Raynaud's phenomenon that causes numbness in the fingers and feet. This is a rare but serious side effect. It is important to notify your doctor if any of these symptoms are observed.
There are some who believe that methylphenidate can slow down children's growth. However this hasn't been proved. If you have a child who is being treated with methylphenidate be sure to monitor his or her weight and height carefully. If your child takes tablets containing methylphenidate and phenylalanine is present, it could be harmful for children suffering from Phenylketonuria. Ask your doctor about an alternative methylphenidate formulation when you suffer from PKU.
Stimulants are the most popular medication for treating ADHD, but certain people are not able to use these medications. In these instances doctors might prescribe other medications that work in a similar manner. Besides methylphenidate, there are other stimulants, such as dexamfetamine and the lisdexamfetamine. These are more powerful than methylphenidate and may last longer. These drugs are typically taken every day, either twice or three times however some individuals might be able to take them more often. Psychological treatments are also available for treating ADHD, but they are less likely to prove helpful than a stimulant.
Atomoxetine
Atomoxetine is also known as Strattera and is a non-stimulant ADHD drug that increases concentration, while decreasing hyperactivity and impulsiveness. It's part of a group of medications known as selective norepinephrine receptor inhibitors. It is a stimulant of dopamine and norepinephrine, two chemical messengers that control the brain's activity. It is popular with adults and children who seek a different medication than stimulants like Adderall or Vyvanse.
It is important to realize that atomoxetine isn't a drug that works instantly. It can take up six weeks before the effects of this medication become apparent. Additionally, you may experience side-effects such as diminished appetite, drowsiness and stomach upset. However the benefits of atomoxetine far surpass the risks for many patients.
In a double-blind placebo controlled study of 297 ADHD patients aged between 12 and 18 years old, the efficacy of atomoxetine has been verified. The participants were randomly assigned to receive atomoxetine, a daily dose of 0.6 mg per kilogram or 1.2 mg/kg or a placebo over 9 weeks. In both atomoxetine as well as placebo groups, symptoms of depression were less. The atomoxetine-treated group had more improvements in ADHD symptoms than the placebo group. However the improvement was only modest (Michelson and co. 2001).
In another open trial, 10 patients suffering from ADHD who failed to respond to stimulants were treated with atomoxetine over 8 weeks. The group receiving atomoxetine had improved ADHD symptoms compared to the placebo group with scores on the Conners Adult ADHD Rating Scale Investigator Rated Screening version as well as the Clinical Global Impressions of Severity scale gaining significant. One patient had to withdraw due to an skin rash. Three patients also reported transient gastrointestinal symptoms, and one reported increased fatigue.
Before you begin treatment with atomoxetine, talk to your doctor about your medical history as well as any other medications or supplements that you're taking. This includes herbal remedies as well as other over-the-counter medicines. Tell your doctor if any of the following conditions are present such as narrow-angle glaucoma, a thyroid or adrenal gland tumor and high blood pressure heart disease or a history sudden death. It is also recommended to avoid atomoxetine if taken an MAO inhibitor like isocarboxazid, linezolid, methylene blue injection, rasagiline, phenelzine or tranylcypromine, in the past 14 days.
Bupropion
Bupropion, a non-stimulant can help improve ADHD symptoms. It can also decrease impulsivity, and increase focus. However it doesn't affect the brain in the way stimulants do. It's only available on prescription. Your doctor will determine the most appropriate dosage for you. Bupropion comes in tablets and extended-release capsules. It is important to follow the directions. There are withdrawal symptoms that can occur in the event that you stop abruptly.
It's typically taken two or three times per day with a 4-6 hour interval between each dose. The dosage can range between 100mg and three times a day to 150mg four or three times each day. The drug is absorbed by the digestive tract and is excreted in urine, meaning it cannot be absorbed into breast milk. However, it is able to enter the bloodstream and impact other organs. Bupropion can increase your blood pressure, so it's important to check it often.
In addition to reducing the symptoms of ADHD In addition, bupropion may reduce depression. It can also be used to treat bipolar disorder. It works by blocking dopamine receptors inside your brain. This blocks the neurotransmitter dopamine, from entering your brain. This helps stabilize your mood.
Bupropion can interact with other drugs. Tell your doctor if taking any other medication. It's also important to determine whether you are allergic to. Also, stay clear of caffeine and other stimulants, as they could make the adverse effects more severe.
A number of studies have compared bupropion to placebos in adults suffering from ADHD. The results of these studies were mixed, and the majority of studies were not conducted properly. Many read more of these studies excluded participants with psychiatric co-morbidity. The results suggest that bupropion has an impact on ADHD. More research is needed to determine positive outcomes for patients, such as an improvement in quality of life. Furthermore, a more precise understanding of the molecular subtypes of ADHD is essential before a successful treatment can be developed. This requires a deeper understanding of the connection between different molecular pathways. It's also important to understand the way that anti-ADHD medications work in combination with psychotherapy.
Tricyclic antidepressants
Antidepressants are often prescribed by doctors when stimulants prescribed for children with ADHD are not effective or cause adverse side adverse effects. These medications, including imipramine and nortriptyline (Aventyl, Pamelor), help by increasing the neurotransmitters norepinephrine as well as dopamine in the brain to help people concentrate. These are older medications that may have a number of adverse effects, so they're typically only considered when other medications have failed.
The first choice of antidepressants for depression is typically a selective serotonin receptor inhibitor (SSRI) like fluoxetine, sertraline, citalopram, or escitalopram. Tricyclic antidepressants are still being used in certain instances despite their long-standing history. They are effective in treating pain caused by neuropathic or other, but their antidepressant effect is not the same. They enhance the noradrenephrine receptor by blocking its reuptake, and they also act as descending modulators for pain pathways in the spinal cord.
SSRIs are less toxic and have less side effects than tricyclic antidepressants. They're also safer during pregnancy and don't appear to be teratogenic in humans or animals. However, they may cause severe withdrawal symptoms if they are stopped abruptly. To lessen the negative adverse effects, your physician might suggest reducing the dosage gradually over several weeks.
Although it isn't officially recognized by the FDA as an adhd medication bupropion is commonly prescribed antidepressant that is off-label for ADHD. It is believed to be effective by increasing neurotransmitters, such as norepinephrine or dopamine in the brain, which increases concentration. It also has been proven to reduce anxiety and can be utilized in conjunction with stimulants for more rapid and long-lasting results.
Although there aren't any other FDA-approved medications that are nonstimulant for ADHD Many people find relief with the use of dietary supplements and herbs. A diet low on fat and sugar can aid in reducing ADHD symptoms. Some people might also benefit by staying clear of caffeine. It is important to inform your doctor about all medications that you or your child uses, including prescription drugs and herbal remedies. This will help minimize unwanted side effects and prevent interactions. ADHD medications can affect people differently. It may take some trial and error to determine the best dosage and drug for your child or you.